Ingress protection ratings is the level of protection given by an enclosure, against dust and water. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value of the IP rating represents protection against solids such as dust, while the second refers to resistance against liquids (sweat).
Scoring IPX4, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s rating for solids indicates that no data available to specify a protection rating, and of liquids that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes. In comparison to the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), Sony WF 1000XM4 have a rating of IPX4 meaning that
we are not yet certain of their rating with solids (dust)
and that of liquids is that,
they both have the same rating against liquids
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a weight of 8.56g . We take in account a lower weight best because lighter devices are more comfortable to transport.
Sony WF 1000XM4, at 7.1g
weigh less than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) with a difference -1.46g
For a device to be true wireless it should have no cables connecting any part of the device together, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) are true wireless for this matter since they don't have wires. This is a major difference since wireless earbuds have cables linking the two earbuds together. Sony WF 1000XM4 also is true wireless since it has no cables linking the 2 earbuds .
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have sweat resistance
Sony WF 1000XM4's resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use during long-distance running, marathons, cardio sweat workouts , etc
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers, what this means is that Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience.
Both Sony WF 1000XM4 and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have stereo speakers
Active noise cancellation uses advanced kind of tech to actively cancel noise. How it works, it listens to the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and inverts the soundwaves to counter it. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 (noise) and producing -1 (counter sound by the device) to make zero resulting in a reduced level of noise.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have Active Noise Cancellation enabling you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the device volume to outcompete background sounds. The Sony WF 1000XM4 too have ANC making either of the devices ideal for flights and morning travels. Each operate with different noise cancellation types, pick the mode that suits your commute or that suites your chill time.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) stay tightly in place, this creates a sound seal that tones down your environment noise and also prevents the device sound from leaking out at the same. Both Sony WF 1000XM4, and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have passive noise reduction which means that both tone down ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a unit size of 11mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, and can produce better bass.
A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that makes sound in the earbuds, the unit size corellates with the sound made by the device. Sony WF 1000XM4 driver unit is 6mm in diameter,
which implies that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 5mm
, many people have a misconception that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.
However, large drivers usually have difficulty producing high frequencies so yes, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not imply that they produce better quality sound.
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio component generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it. Sony WF 1000XM4's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) can produce a juicier bass than the Sony WF 1000XM4
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response measures if and how well an audio device makes high recognizable frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it. Sony WF 1000XM4's highest frequency is at 40,000Hz, this implies that
Sony WF 1000XM4 can generate a clearer and crispier treble than the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery life is 6 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average before recharge.
A device's battery life is commonly given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings. Sony WF 1000XM4's battery life is
more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 2 hours
. Each time you recharge your device, they get a little less listening time. The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.
The battery life of the charging case is given by the manufacturer, and the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s case is said to have a full charge of 30 hours. A charging case with more battery hours enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go many times before recharging the case itself. Sony WF 1000XM4's charging case has a battery life of 16 hours,
less than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 14 hours
It requires 0.3 hours to fully charge the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery.
It is highly adivsable to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds for the first time. Sony WF 1000XM4 takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the battery,
more than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 1.2 hours
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), the device supports wireless charging. To charge the device, you just place down on a supported charging pad.
Sony WF 1000XM4 also support wireless charging, always look out for the charging standard of the earbuds. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the earbuds has a low battery. Its lights show the charging status of your earbuds and case.
Sony WF 1000XM4 too have a battery level indicator, these enable you tell the charging state of your device, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have Bluetooth version of 5, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data movement between devices placed in range, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Sony WF 1000XM4 has a Bluetooth version of 5.2,
newer than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth. Sony WF 1000XM4 have a maximum range of 10meters,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps.
Since it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it provides better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.
Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) will work fine with your MacBook. If you intend on using these with Android you need to pay even closer attention to codec support for if they only have AAC they won't provide the best audio quality possible, ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.
The Sony WF 1000XM4 support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have 6 microphones.
The Sony WF 1000XM4 microphones are 4,
less than that of Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) by 2
. More microphones record better sound quality and help the earbuds to filter out background sounds. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are made to reduce noise from the earbuds' sound. The Sony WF 1000XM4 too use a noise-canceling microphone.
Especially useful in noisy areas. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when they are removed from your ears .
The Sony WF 1000XM4 support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears saving battery life. When lost in a room, or can't be found in your bag, the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a find earbuds feature.
The Sony WF 1000XM4 too have the find earbuds feature. You can use the earbuds app on your smartphone to play an alarm from your earbuds to find them. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support fast charging.
Usually, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the amount of time it takes to charge the earbuds. The Sony WF 1000XM4 too support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, only that the battery fills up much faster.
For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery is charged to 50% in 30 minutes. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. Say, you can switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect.
The Sony WF 1000XM4 support multipoint count of 2,
equal to that of the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
. Bluetooth multipoint is useful because you can be on one call without missing notifications from another connected device. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a mute function, they have the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The Sony WF 1000XM4 also support this function.
It means that you unilaterally turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party talk. With the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the device. The Sony WF 1000XM4 also have a control panel on them.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a warranty period of 1 Years, the period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use that has followed instruction manuals. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support voice prompts. Automatically receive information via audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection.
The Sony WF 1000XM4 too have voice prompts meaning the earbuds will notify you when the battery is low, and it's time to recharge the earbuds. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) come with their own special pouch. Carrying earbuds without a case, or placing them in your pockets without a casing may easily damage them.
Sony WF 1000XM4 also have a case included, which is useful for safe transportation.
